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Description
Viburnum Plicatum F. Tomentosum Summer Snowflake, also known as Japanese snowball bush, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Adoxaceae family. This plant is native to Japan and Korea, and it is widely cultivated in many countries for its beautiful flowers. The Summer Snowflake variety blooms in late spring and early summer with clusters of pure white, flat-topped flowers. The flowers are followed by red berries that turn black when ripe. The plant has a dense, upright growth habit and can reach up to 8 feet tall and wide.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Adoxaceae |
| Genus | Viburnum |
Appearance
The Viburnum Plicatum F. Tomentosum Summer Snowflake has a dense, upright growth habit with a rounded shape. The leaves are dark green, ovate, and serrated, and they turn reddish-purple in the fall. The flowers are flat-topped and pure white, and they can reach up to 6 inches across. The fruit is a red berry that turns black when ripe.
Care Guide
To care for Viburnum Plicatum F. Tomentosum Summer Snowflake, you need to provide it with regular watering, fertilization, well-draining soil, and full sun to partial shade. This plant is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8, and it can tolerate some drought and heat. However, it is susceptible to powdery mildew and spider mites, so you need to monitor it for signs of these pests and diseases.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Viburnum Plicatum F. Tomentosum Summer Snowflake is susceptible to powdery mildew, spider mites, and aphids. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves, and it can be treated with fungicides. Spider mites and aphids are common pests that can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The Viburnum Plicatum F. Tomentosum Summer Snowflake is native to Japan and Korea, and it grows best in temperate climates with cool summers and mild winters. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: How tall can Viburnum Plicatum F. Tomentosum Summer Snowflake grow?
A: Viburnum Plicatum F. Tomentosum Summer Snowflake can reach up to 8 feet tall and wide.
Q: What is the blooming season for Viburnum Plicatum F. Tomentosum Summer Snowflake?
A: Viburnum Plicatum F. Tomentosum Summer Snowflake blooms in late spring and early summer.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Viburnum Plicatum F. Tomentosum Summer Snowflake?
A: Viburnum Plicatum F. Tomentosum Summer Snowflake is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases of Viburnum Plicatum F. Tomentosum Summer Snowflake?
A: Viburnum Plicatum F. Tomentosum Summer Snowflake is susceptible to powdery mildew, spider mites, and aphids.
Related Plants
- Viburnum Opulus
- Viburnum Tinus
- Viburnum Carlesii
- Viburnum Prunifolium
References
- Dirr, Michael A. Viburnums: Flowering Shrubs for Every Season. Portland: Timber Press, 2007.
- Missouri Botanical Garden. “Viburnum Plicatum f. tomentosum ‘Summer Snowflake’.” Accessed September 9, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b296.
- RHS. “Viburnum Plicatum f. tomentosum ‘Summer Snowflake’.” Accessed September 9, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/100870/Viburnum-plicatum-f-tomentosum-Summer-Snowflake/Details.
